Our readers write

Red Cross still offering services To The Editor: I am writing to clarify some miscommunication regarding our local American Red Cross and its vital role in northwest Tennessee. Recently there have been reports in the media and throughout the community that the Obion County Red Cross Chapter is closing and that Red Cross services will no longer be available. This couldn’t be further from the truth. American Red Cross services are being provided in Obion County today, just as they were yesterday and just as they will be tomorrow. Military families needing emergency communications assistance, families devastated after a house fire and those wanting to learn how to save a life through first aid and CPR training can count on the Red Cross to be there. The American Red Cross will continue serving Obion County families by streamlining administrative functions — therefore, putting more dollars into delivering Red Cross programs and services. Red Cross services will not be compromised by this structural change. The Obion County and Dyer County Chapters of the American Red Cross will merge and will be located in Dyersburg. The office in Union City will remain operational and be used for health and safety training as well as emergency preparedness training. The American Red Cross changes are part of a nationwide reorganization plan focused on proving more efficient and effective services to all chapters while striving to be the best possible stewards of the donated dollar. Going forward, the American Red Cross will continue fulfilling its mission, to help prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are pleased to have the complete support of the Obion County mayor and Emergency Management Agency and look forward to working together in the near future. We hope that people living, working and playing in our northwest Tennessee communities will continue to support our local Red Cross in delivering our humanitarian message. Sincerely, Joel R. Sullivan Regional CEO American Red Cross Published in The Messenger 8.17.11

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